The Simon Award, is for contributions to the advancement of all small animal surgery in its widest context, including but not limited to, soft tissue surgery, anaesthesia, orthopaedics and surgical aspects of neurology, ophthalmology, diagnostic imaging and exotics (NTCA).
Simon, was a Golden Retriever owned by Mr J. Thomas, a blind telephone operator, that also became blind and had his sight restored by surgery, thus enabling him to resume his full duties as a guide dog. Mr Thomas, in appreciation of the work and surgical skill which had made this possible, inaugurated and made this award at the 1962 annual Congress.
2026 Winner
Matteo Rossanese DVM, SPSA, CertAVP, MSc, Dip.ECVS, PGCert(VetEd), FHEA, FRCVS
The Simon Award is presented to Matteo Rossanese for his exceptional contribution to small animal surgery, particularly in cardiothoracic procedures. Matteo is one of only a handful of surgeons worldwide performing complex open-heart operations in dogs under cardiopulmonary bypass. He is currently a senior lecturer in Small Animal Surgery, and he is the co-head of Soft Tissue Surgery at the Department of Clinical Science and Services at the Royal Veterinary College.
Full Biography
Matteo is a senior lecturer in Small Animal Surgery, and he is the co-head of Soft Tissue Surgery at the Department of Clinical Science and Services at the Royal Veterinary College. Matteo graduated from the University of Bologna, Italy, in 2009. In 2011, he undertook a postgraduate research project and internship in surgery and neurosurgery at North Downs Specialist Referrals, followed by a rotating internship at the Animal Health Trust. In 2013, Matteo gained the certificate of Specialist in Animal Health from the University of Padua, and, in 2015, he completed the RCVS Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice. In 2015, Matteo joined the Small Animal Teaching Hospital at the University of Liverpool, where he completed an ECVS-approved residency in Small Animal Surgery. In 2018, he gained a Master’s in Veterinary Professional Studies, and in 2021 he received the European Diploma in Small Animal Surgery. In 2022, he completed a Postgraduate certificate in Veterinary Education and the Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy. In 2024 Matteo was awarded fellowship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (FRCVS). Matteo’s primary clinical interest include cardiothoracic surgery and minimally invasive surgery.